Sports
What a Year! Two State Varsity Titles and Lots of Close Calls
Here's a look back at the 2010-11 year in Islander sports. Also check out the more than 100 photos compiled from a winning year.
The athletic program came just a few wins away from taking home five state titles this last year. Five.
Did they take home five? No. They did take home two state varsity titles: , . The also won the state championship.
In the varsity football and basketball championship seasons, two of the most high profile sports in high school athletics, both teams were both led by a talented group of seniors. Most notably, , from the football team, who, no word of a lie, accounted for every single one of the 44 points the football team scored in their Super Bowl victory and was named MVP.
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
On the Girls Basketball Team, it was the Islander "Unit" of seniors who raised their level of play to such a high one, that they ended the season just one game win shy from a .
When you speak to both head coaches, they will each tell you how proud they are of their teams. On most teams, almost any winning team in sports, you will hear the coach say those words. On the Islander side, they don't just mean it. They bleed it, they sweat it, they cry it. All season long. Coach Andrew Leys from the super Bowl Champion Football squad, and Mike Yates, who coached the Girls Basketball team to a nearly unbeaten season, will each tell you with clear cut, unmistakable emotion in their eyes: They love their teams.
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Such is the Islander way. They are not the only ones.
Though they didn't take home a state title, there were several close seconds in the Middletown world of sports this past year.
The came not only one win, but one goal away from capturing a state title.
The also came just a couple wins away from taking home a title, losing to powerhouse North Kingstown in the Final Four tournament.
The , who were heavily favored by many to win it all, lost a role reversal game to Portsmouth, after only one week earlier knocking that same team into the losing bracket in dominating fashion. This time, it was the Islanders who saw themselves dominated, as Portsmouth's strong pitching ended the Islanders title hopes and brought to a close the 2010-2011 season for .
Lessons learned, memories etched forever in the hearts and minds of each player.
One thing's absolutely certain, though--the Islanders had a collective season that defines the true definition of what it means to be a champion.
What will the 2011-12 season bring without those graduates? Check back mid-August for Patch's Fall Sports Previews.
